- Hopefully this year the Tigers will be able to avoid recent injury-prone quarterback woes.
Usually, when a team has as many high expectations as are surrounding the Memphis football team for the upcoming season, a solid quarterback who has significant experience commanding the offense is already in place heading into the summer. This is not the case with the Tigers this year. Not to say that the Tigers don’t have plenty of solid quarterbacks, but the question is which one will be suiting up against the Rebels on September 6th. MemphisRoar takes a look at the options, and attempts to draw up a preliminary depth chart.
1. Arkelon Hall – 6′ 3″, 225lb Senior: He was originally the No. 8 overall quarterback by ESPN when he signed with Washington State out of high school. He broke his leg in his freshman season and transferred to the College of the Sequoias. He had 11 starts last year. He injured his thumb against East Carolina in October and missed two games. Despite that, he finished with a 57% completion, 2275 yards, 12 TDs, 7 INTs, and a passer rating of 121.70. He also rushed for 200 yards for 3 TDs and received a TD pass. He was 12 of 23 with 120 yards and a 12 yard TD toss in the Blue-Gray game. Right now all inclinations from Coach West tell us that Hall is at the top of the depth chart.
2. Tyler Bass – 6′ 3″, 220lb Sophomore: He was the #57 ranked overall “athlete” by ESPN coming out of high school. Originally signed with Maryland but then opted instead for Memphis last June. He is said to be an equally good runner and passer. In his first game against East Carolina he went 1 of 3 for -6 yards passing but had 4 rushes for 28 yards. Against Southern Miss he completed 9 of 10 for 107 yards and a TD. He also rushed for 51 yards on 10 attempts and a TD. He tore his ACL late in the third quarter and hasn’t played since. He had surgery in November and was not able to participate in Spring practice. He was able to throw and work on his timing with wide receivers but was held out of scrimmages or any contact. He is on track to return in the fall and is the most talented QB on the roster. As recently as the Highland Hundred Golf Tournament, Coach West spoke of putting Bass in contention. Bass should be no worse than second team when the Tigers start game prep for Mississippi.
3. Byron Ingram – 6′ 5″ 195lb redshirt Sophomore transfer from Georgia Tech: Ranked #90 overall by ESPN coming out of high school. He has yet to play a down of college football. Ingram is mainly a pocket passer but has the ability to run. Ingram signed with Coach Chan Gailey at Georgia Tech. After Gailey’s termination and Georgia Tech going to a more option oriented offense under Paul Johnson, Ingram transferred to Memphis. His father, Brian Ingram, played in the NFL for the Patriots and Chargers. He went 3 of 10 for 11 yards and 1 INT passing and also rushed on 6 carries for 4 yards in the Blue-Gray game. Ingram will be in the QB race in the Fall with Bass and Hall. It is possible he could be moved to another position to utilize his athleticism and speed, such as WR if Bass is up to challenging Hall. I would put him ahead of Toney for right now due to his athleticism and Coach West wanting his QB’s to be more involved in the running game.
4. Will Hudgens – 6′ 4″, 235lb Senior: Will is currently petitioning for a sixth year of eligibility. He has a total of 1,137 yards and 11 TDs in his career. He has only played one full year in 2007. Hudgens played in 6 games in 2008, and went 10 of 24 passing for 123 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT. Against Ole Miss he scored all 3 Tiger touchdowns (2 TD passes, 1 rushing TD). He was 8 of 15 for 102 yards, and also rushed the ball nine times for 26 yards. He tore his ACL and MCL against East Carolina in October. He is still waiting on word from the NCAA, so was not allowed to participate in Spring practice. However, he continues to work out with the team and if cleared, could certainly help on special teams and provide a veteran backup. Hudgens isn’t expected to play much on offense unless needed. Hudgens wants to get into coaching so his leadership on the sidelines will be welcomed.
5. Brett Toney – 6′ 1″, 190lb Senior: He was a finalist in 2008 for the College Football “Rudy” award. He has been the longtime holder and leader of the scout team. Toney played in 3 games last year when Hall and Hudgens were both injured. He finished 31 for 51 with 3 TDs and 1 INT. In the Blue-Gray game, he was 5 of 12 for 134 yards with a 25 yard TD pass and 1 INT. He also added a 1 yard rushing TD. Toney’s strengths are his mobility and knowledge of the offense.
6. Will Gilchrist – 6′ 1″, 190lb Freshman: Will hails from Savannah, Tennessee. He was the #150 rated QB out of high school by ESPN. He is a good athlete who plays well under center and out of shotgun. Runs a 4.59 40 yard dash and has the ability to scramble, and is considered a “dual-threat” quarterback. Coach West described Will on signig day as having a Martin Hankins arm with alot mroe speed givin the Tigers a dual threat. He needs improvement on the long ball but is precise in his short to mid range passing. He is said to be a confident player who knows how to run an offense. With the QB position as stacked as it is right now, Gilchrist is expected to be redshirted this year.
There is still a lot of time accompanied by a lot of figuring out to do here by Coach West and the staff. However, if the past has told us anything with Memphis and QBs, depth at the QB position is a necessity for a successful year. Looks like this year Coach West and the gang are prepared for anything.
Updates
John Wozniak has been hired to fill the Special Teams Coordinator vacancy left by Coach Chachere. Coach Wozniak comes to us from Montana State. Coach West comments from the official press release on Wozniak is, “John has an excellent background with special teams and has worked with some outstanding teams and coaches at Oklahoma State and LSU,” said West. “I was impressed with John’s knowledge and work ethic. He will be a great fit for our staff.” He also brings some youth and aggressiveness that will be key on the recruiting trail.
Ten Tigers have been named to Phil Steele’s Preseason All-CUSA Team. Curtis Steele, Dominik Riley, Greg Jackson, Alton Starr, Matt Reagan and D.A. Griffin hold down the second team, while Malcom Rawls, Duke Calhoun, Carlos Singleton, and Derrick Odom were named to the fourth team.
It is also possible that the Tigers could be getting a visit this summer from another possible addition for ‘09. Terrence Simien is a 6′3 205 safety from San Manteo Community College (CA) and looks to be a summer qualifier. He recently took a visit to Indiana, who has offered, along with Louisville. Simien said he will not make a decision until after visiting Memphis. If the visit materalizes, he should make a quick decision between the three, unless another school gets involved.
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